From the moment you wake up in the morning to climbing under the covers at night, use these tips to create the perfect conditions to fall asleep quickly.

During The Day

1. Make Your Bed

A poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that those who regularly make their bed in the morning were more likely to report they had a good night’s sleep every day or almost every day (44% vs. 37%). [2]

2. Exercise

Beyond simply making you feel tired, when performed at the right time of day exercise can help accentuate the natural changes in body temperature which occur as part of your circadian rhythms and signal nighttime. [3]

3. Don’t Nap for Too Long

While a short nap may be just what was needed to restore your mental clarity and stave off fatigue, napping for too long or too late in the day can interfere with your ability to fall asleep at night. [4]

4. Limit Caffeine Intake

Caffeine has an effect on us far longer than most of us realize: 20 hours after consuming your cappuccino, 12.5% of the caffeine is still active. [5]

It’s thus important to avoid caffeine post lunch-hour.

5. Get Lots Of Sunshine

Our circadian rhythms depend on stimulation from sunlight during the day to remain in sync with a day-night schedule. A lack thereof can lead to circadian rhythm disorders and insomnia.

In The Evening

6. Warm Shower or Bath

Heat up your body with a warm shower or bath; the subsequent cool-down will mimic the natural dip in body temperature which occurs at bedtime, facilitating sleep. [7]

7. Drink A Hot Beverage

For the same reasoning, drinking a hot (non-caffeinated) beverage can help achieve the same “warm you up to cool you down” effect.

8. Immerse Face In Cold Water

If you’re feeling stressed and anxious in the evening, try resetting your nervous system by immersing your face in ice cold water for 30 seconds.

13. Drink Cherry Juice

Tart cherry juice is one of the natural sources highest in melatonin — a hormone which signals darkness, telling the body it’s time to sleep.

Having a glass 2 hours before bed, when melatonin levels naturally begin to rise, can help you feel sleepier. [11]

14. One Hour “Wind Down” Time

As your melatonin levels begin to rise, and you start to feel sleepy, listen to the signals your body is sending you and start winding down for the day. Put away your work, forego any strenuous activities and focus on relaxing.

15. Don’t Get Into Bed Until Sleepy

You should reserve your bed for sleep. Much of falling asleep quickly is about forming proper habits: by partaking in other activities once you’ve tucked yourself in, you’re creating unintentional associations between this space and being awake.​

While In Bed

16. Keep Cool

The optimal room temperature for sleep is between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit, anything warmer conflicts with our body’s natural drop in temperature during the night, interrupting sleep.

17. Wear Socks

While keeping cool is important, if your feet and hands get too cold this will disrupt sleep or make falling asleep difficult. Keeping a hot water bottle near your feet or wearing socks will help your internal temperature reach its ideal setting more easily.

18. Use A White Noise Machine

White noise machines help to drown out noises that may be keeping you up at night. These devices work by reducing the difference between the ambient noise and any “peak” noise — such as a toilet flushing.

19. Eliminate Light

Following the desired pattern of our internal clock, it’s now best to eliminate any light stimulus to signal to your body that night has fallen, and it’s time to sleep.

20. Hide Your Clock

Being constantly reminded of the time — and the hours remaining before you have to get up in the morning — only adds to your stress and anxiety. Hide your clock and avoid checking the time on your smartphone.

21. Change Your Sleep Position

It’s important to take care of your posture, even when sleeping. Ensure that your body is adequately supported for the position you are lying in to avoid cramping or discomfort.

Additionally, if indigestion is keeping you up, it’s recommended that you sleep on your side. A natural latex foam mattress is fantastic for side sleepers, and keeps your spine aligned at night.

22. Wear Comfortable Clothing

If you don’t enjoy sleeping in the buff, make sure you choose natural fabrics that do not trap air against the body. Similarly, dressing in too many thick layers will prevent your body from reaching its preferred sleeping temperature.

23. Listen To Music

Listening to music can help you relax and fall asleep faster; however, your choice of music is integral to the effect. Pick something you find soothing and that creates a relaxing atmosphere.

24. Progressive Relaxation

The National Sleep Foundation recommends progressive muscle relaxation as a means to induce sleep.

Begin to tense and relax your muscles, starting with your toes and working your way up to your head.

26. Meditate

27. Use Aromatherapy

Many scents have a proven relaxing effect on the body, including sandalwood, vanilla, and marjoram. Lavender is perhaps the king of scents when it comes to sleep, with studies demonstrating significant improvements in quality and length of sleep. [15]

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